Non-Muslim reading the Qur'an...best way to study?

[MatthiasGould]

I'm a non-Muslim, currently considering Islam, and I'm re-reading the Qur'an at present (I can't stop reading it!) in both English and French.

Now I'm wondering how I can as a non-Muslim who does not know Arabic (I can read the alphabet and a few words but that's it) and who knows really only the basics about the text of the Qur'an.

I've tried a study based on specific topics (such as Hell, Jesus, prayer etc.) but this was a slow, long, process and I didn't find it particularly helped me as a result.

Does anyone know how I should go about a proper study? Should I begin to learn Arabic?

 

[Rational_Mind]

I'm a non-Muslim, currently considering Islam, and I'm re-reading the Qur'an at present (I can't stop reading it!) in both English and French.

Now I'm wondering how I can as a non-Muslim who does not know Arabic (I can read the alphabet and a few words but that's it) and who knows really only the basics about the text of the Qur'an.

I've tried a study based on specific topics (such as Hell, Jesus, prayer etc.) but this was a slow, long, process and I didn't find it particularly helped me as a result.

Does anyone know how I should go about a proper study? Should I begin to learn Arabic?

As a starting book I have given to non-Muslims trying to study the Holy Quran is:
Introduction to the Study of the Holy Quran

Also do you want to study in depth? I would first recommend Holy Quran with Short Commentary:
Holy Quran with Short Commentary

Then if you are confused about certain portions you could always head to the Longer Commentary:
Holy Quran 5 Volume Commentary

Large Volume has given the meaning of Arabic words with their common uses. You can begin to learn to read Arabic first. You will end up learning the meanings of Arabic words through reading it in the Holy Quran if you are dedicated, ofcourse you must learn to read first.

 

[Cordoba]

There is no need to study Arabic at the early stage

What is important is to have a good translation of the meanings of the Qur'an

One good on-line translation is the Saheeh International translation at this URL:

The Noble Qur'an - ?????? ??????

For a general introduction, you may wish to consult this folder for the topics you would be interested to learn about:

The Quran in Focus - In Focus - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

One link in this folder is titled (How to Read The Quran)

How to Read the Qur'an - Revelation - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

Hope all goes well.

Happy reading

 

[MatthiasGould]

Thank you to you both. I will bookmark and use these links in study.

 

[seeking4truth]

The best way to read the Holy Quran is to begin at the beginning unless you are researching a particular area of study.

Muslims are taught to always begin each reading with a prayer - it could apply to all readers. "Lord, increase my knowledge"

There is an excellent website created by Leeds University, UK. It has a selection of English translations including a word by word section, it analyses each Arabic word and links its use in other places in the Holy Quran and you can listen to it in Arabic too. The website is called corpus.quran.com.

 

[Starsoul]

There is no need to study Arabic at the early stage

What is important is to have a good translation of the meanings of the Qur'an

One good on-line translation is the Saheeh International translation at this URL:

The Noble Qur'an - ?????? ??????

For a general introduction, you may wish to consult this folder for the topics you would be interested to learn about:

The Quran in Focus - In Focus - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

One link in this folder is titled (How to Read The Quran)

How to Read the Qur'an - Revelation - Reading Islam - OnIslam.net

Hope all goes well.

Happy reading

These links are more authentic, then the ones mentioned by the above poster rational.

 

[seeking4truth]

"These links are more authentic, then the ones mentioned by the above poster rational."

Why? How do you decide?

 

[Rational_Mind]

These links are more authentic, then the ones mentioned by the above poster rational.

I think MatthiasGould can judge for himself. The Quran is the same, there are many different translations. People have their own preference. As to which is better is arguable.

 

[F0uad]

Thank you to you both. I will bookmark and use these links in study.

If you have troubles undestanding the Quran you could use Ibn Khatir as a commentary on certain verses.